Guide to Installing Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware

While the existing guide is tailored for systems that fulfill Windows 11’s hardware prerequisites, those with unsupported devices may wonder how to experience Windows 11 version 24H2. Here are three methods to achieve this.

Note: There are no alternatives for systems using processors that lack SSE4.2 instruction support. In such cases, your only choice remains to install either Windows 11 version 23H2 or an earlier version as outlined in this guide.

Quick Navigation:

• Want to upgrade an unsupported device to Windows 11 version 24H2?
  • Method 1 (simple)
  • Method 2 (more intricate)
• I’m interested in performing a clean installation of Windows 11 version 24H2 on an unsupported PC

How can I upgrade an unsupported PC to Windows 11 version 24H2?

Unfortunately, past methods like using the setup.exe /product server command or the Compatibility Troubleshooter with the Windows 11 Installation Assistant are no longer effective for version 24H2. The first will result in an “unknown command”error, and the second will produce an additional error during the setup phase.

However, there remain viable options to upgrade an unsupported computer to Windows 11 version 24H2 without the need for third-party tools.

Here’s a straightforward approach, akin to the former setup.exe /product server command, with a slight modification:

1. Access the official Windows 11 download site and obtain the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.
2. Mount the ISO file and navigate to the Sources folder.
3. While holding the Shift key, right-click in a blank area, and select “Open PowerShell window here.”
   

   

4. In the PowerShell window, input cmd and press Enter.
5. Enter setupprep.exe /product server and hit Enter.
   

   

6. Proceed by following the prompts in the new window. Although the setup interface displays “Windows Server,”you are still installing a standard edition that corresponds with your existing WeU.
   

   

That’s all there is to it.

Alternatively, there’s a more complex method requiring registry editing. If you are not confident in this process, it’s best to stick with the first method.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, then type regedit to launch the Registry Editor.
2. Copy and paste this path into the address bar: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags.
3. Select Edit > New > Key and rename it to HwReqChk.
   

   

4. Next, go to Edit > New > Multi-string Value.
5. Rename this new value to HwReqChkVars.
6. Double-click it and paste the following:
   SQ_SecureBootCapable=TRUE
   SQ_SecureBootEnabled=TRUE
   SQ_TpmVersion=2
   SQ_RamMB=8192
   Ignore any error messages regarding empty strings.

   

7. Save your modifications.
8. Download the Windows 11 version 24H2 ISO from Microsoft’s official page and mount the ISO.
9. Click on setup.exe and follow the installation prompts on-screen.

How to clean-install Windows 11 24H2 on an unsupported computer?

1. Acquire the Windows 11 version 24H2 image from the official site.
2. Download Rufus, a free open-source tool designed for creating bootable USB drives.
3. Connect your USB device and launch Rufus.
4. Select the USB drive from the Device drop-down menu.
5. Choose “Disk or ISO image“and then click Select.
6. Locate the Windows 11 24H2 image file, leaving the other settings untouched.
7. Click Start.
8. Ensure you check the option labeled “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0.”Without this, installing Windows 11 24H2 will be impossible on your device.
   

   

9. Wait for the process to complete.

After finishing, restart your machine and boot from the USB drive. The installation application will facilitate an issue-free installation of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, including older processors lacking TPM or Secure Boot.

Background image for 24H2 by INESby on Pixabay.

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